From Kosher and Halal to vegetarian and gluten-free, it can get quite complicated. But, making it much easier is CBORD, a computer system that codes each dish and matches it to the patient's menu options.

“Do people ask for and get seconds?" I asked. "Oh yes!” Khan replied.

Once that's set and the food is cooked, it's time to put it all together.

“We activate the trays, which heats them so that the patients food stays warm,” Gary, one of food preparation staffers, showed us.

Then within 45 minutes, each plate is delivered fresh to every patient. A process they go through three times a day.

“How’s this food?" I asked John, a patient. "It's good, as good as any other place," he said. "Let's try this one more time John, how's this food?" "It’s great!” he laughed.

But what's really separating Northwell, is the attention they give to those who can't swallow traditional, firm foods, providing an array of pureed options.

"They put it in a form so it looks like peas or carrots or the chicken we're serving” Bosco described. "Oh wow, yum, it actually takes like chicken!" I said after trying a few bites.